How Gold Coast Student Diana Achieves Her Ballet Dreams With Online School

*Diana Shtengelove and her mum Mariyka were recently interviewed by 9 News Gold Coast about the family’s experience switching from a traditional private school to online education with Crimson Global Academy. Discover her inspiring story in our latest blog post.

Every artist knows the rigour and dedication that comes with perfecting their craft, and for 14-year-old Diana Shtengelova, who is ballerina, gymnast, and a high-level academic student, it’s no different. A former student at St. Hilda’s College in the Gold Coast, Diana decided in early 2023 to leave the physical private school and embark on online homeschooling through CGA’s Da Vinci pathway.

The decision has allowed her to pursue her passion for dancing and gymnastics while continuing to excel academically. As a member of both the Queensland Ballet and Australian Ballet companies, and a competitor in ballroom dance, Diana embodies a unique balance between her intense artistic pursuits and academic ambition.

A Passion for Ballet and Expression on Stage

For Diana, ballet is more than a skill; it's her form of self-expression. Reflecting on her journey, she shares: 

"I love ballet because it allows me to be more free and be able to express myself to the audience. I love performing on stage as well as the many hours of training I do to strive for perfection. I love the countless learning opportunities I have received from many professionals. Many hours of rigorous training can be incredibly intense and challenging, but I think the feeling you feel when performing on stage is truly priceless."

This passion is evident in her dedication: Diana trains three times a week for 2.5 hours, twice a week for 5 hours, and once for 6 hours. Her afternoons and evenings are dedicated to stretching, Pilates, and body conditioning, all of which build her strength and flexibility.

When she’s not training in her hometown, Diana travels for a week each term to Brisbane with the Queensland Ballet and another week to Melbourne with the Australian Ballet. She’s not only dancing, though—she’s also excelling in gymnastics, coming sixth in her state, and competing in ballroom dancing, where she recently placed at the Western Australia Champion.

Pursuing a Flexible Online Education Through CGA

Balancing such a rigorous dance schedule alongside academics is challenging, but CGA’s flexible online program is designed for aspiring student athletes and performers.

The Da Vinci Pathway, known for its 1:1 instruction, is tailored to meet the unique needs of students with intensive schedules like Diana’s. Through this approach, she receives direct support in her advanced classes in Math, Science, and Global Citizenship, having recently completed English. 

"Balancing academics alongside my ballet training is a lot more manageable with my CGA Da Vinci classes because it provides me with a more flexible school schedule so I can dedicate more time to my training as well as keep up with my academics through CGA,"* Diana explains. 

"It helps me a lot because I have a very flexible schedule, so even if I miss some school because of performances or competitions, my teachers always help me to catch up. They help me plan my assignments and exams according to the time I will be away, so it helps me be prepared and stay organised with my academics."

This flexibility has allowed Diana to shift smoothly from her past academic environment at St. Hilda’s College, where she excelled in honors classes, to an online school model that lets her focus on her competitive edge in ballet and ballroom. As she has moved into the junior division in ballet, her commitment to her art has grown, and with it, the demands on her time.

CGA’s online classes fit seamlessly into her dynamic lifestyle, giving her the freedom to train at the level she needs while meeting academic goals.

Looking Ahead: Ambitions Beyond the Classroom and Dance Studio

Diana’s journey is a testament to what’s possible with the right blend of ambition, flexibility, and support. Her goals extend beyond just academics or her current dance repertoire; she dreams of dancing professionally.

Diana plans to pursue intensive programs at prestigious schools internationally, aiming for more opportunities to work with professionals who can help refine her technique and artistry. Competitions like the Asian Grand Prix and the Youth American Grand Prix are on her radar, representing her commitment to competing at the highest levels.

"Some of my plans for the future would be to continue to learn and improve. I aim to participate in more intensives at prestigious schools internationally and have classes with many professionals who can help me get better and improve my technique and artistry. I want to continue having many great opportunities to perform on stage and compete in prestigious competitions,"* Diana shares with hope and determination.

A Strong Support Network in CGA

Diana’s journey would not be possible without the supportive network she has found at CGA. Her teachers are not only understanding of her schedule but actively help her prepare around her competitions and performances. The 1:1 instruction allows Diana to stay organised and stay on track with her academics while meeting the demands of her passion for ballet and dance.

"Through all these experiences, I aim to receive many opportunities that will help me to grow and develop as a dancer and hopefully one day be in a ballet company," she says.

For aspiring artists and athletes who may feel they have to choose between their dreams and their education, Diana’s story is a shining example that both can coexist with the right approach.

CGA’s flexible, online programme has been the bridge, helping Diana bring her academic aspirations and ballet dreams into perfect harmony.